Jeremy Corbyn silent on promotion of suspended MP Kelvin Hopkins

Jeremy Corbyn has refused to reveal whether he knew of allegations against a Labour MP before promoting him to the shadow cabinet.

The Opposition leader was quizzed on the subject several times on Friday after Kelvin Hopkins was suspended.

Labour has withdrawn the whip while it carries out an investigation into the Luton North MP's actions.

Mr Hopkins, 76, allegedly inappropriately touched Ava Etemadzadeh, 27, and sent her suggestive text messages.

Mr Corbyn is now facing pressure to explain how much he knew of the 20-year-serving MP's actions.

He declined to answer questions outside his house on Friday, saying only: "Good morning. Nice to see you. Thank you for coming to my road - goodbye."

Labour MP Jess Phillips said promoting Mr Hopkins "didn't look good".

She told Sky News: "I know, because I have spoken to her and met her, that at the time she felt that her complaint had been handled the way she wanted it to.

"The chief whip at the time, Rosie Winterton, had listened to her and supported her, asked her what she wanted and then done that.

"It is unfortunate that some months after that Kelvin Hopkins was put on the frontbench."

But another left-wing MP told Sky News: "I can't imagine Kevin pinching people's bottoms".

A close friend added: "I don't believe it. I've known him for 20 years - it's absurd. People have been coming out with all sorts of silly things."

Mr Hopkins has not commented on the claims.

It comes as a sexual harassment scandal engulfs Westminster, already claiming the resignation of one minister and prompting the investigation of two more.

Labour has also launched another investigation into claims by activist Bex Bailey that she was discouraged from reporting a rape allegation by party officials.

Meanwhile, MP Jared O'Mara has had the whip suspended and is facing questions over a series of homophobic and sexist online comments.